Le séisme de Mexico (19 sept. 1985) : signification géomorphologique - article ; n°538 ; vol.96, pg 725-741

Annales de Géographie - Année 1987 - Volume 96 - Numéro 538 - Pages 725-741
The damages of the earthquake of the 19th and 20th of september 1985 result of tectonic movements, shallow anticlines and sinclines and not of any subsidence associated with the compaction of lacustrine sediments. The historical part of Mexico, where subsidence is intensive as a result of excessive extraction of ground water has not been affected. The folds are characterized by extensive strains on the anticlines, strains which increase with the altitude above ground level. The buildings have been tilted and « opened » from above (photos 4 and 6). Asismic building standards do not contemplate such a strain and have to be revised. It is recommended to study seriously the geomorphic aspects of the seisms, to abandon the construction of skyscraper, above all with glasses instead of walls, and to come back to the more traditional type of buildings, with few floors and consisting of brick and stone walls.
17 pages
Source : Persée ; Ministère de la jeunesse, de l’éducation nationale et de la recherche, Direction de l’enseignement supérieur, Sous-direction des bibliothèques et de la documentation.